Ndlea repeats calls for mandatory drug tests for corps members

Chairperson and Head of Executive of the National Narcotics Law Enforcement Agency (Ndlea), Brig. General Buba Marwa (Ret.

Marwa made a telephone during a polite visit by the Director General of NYSC, Brig. General Olakunle Nafiu, and Senior NYSC officials to the Ndlea headquarters in Abuja. The visit was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by a spokesman for the agency, Femi Babafemi.

Familiarizing the proposed drug integrity test as a health and safety intervention, Marwa emphasized that the aim is not to punish, but to protect corps members from the destroying consequences of drug dependence.

“This is not a punishment,” he said. “The goal is prevention – Helping individuals before drug use increases become addicted.”

Quoting the disturbing statistics from the national drug use survey, Marwa noted that one in seven Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 had been involved in drug use. “There is no part of this country that is not touched by the crisis. Drug abuse continues to damage our families, communities and economics,” he said.

Also read: The Chairman of the Council narrowly escapes the bandit attack in Sokoto Village

BOS Ndlea highlights the strategy of two agency branches: Reducing drug supply while handling requests through education, counseling, and rehabilitation. He praised the collaboration between NYSC and agencies, especially the establishment of a war club against drug abuse (WADA) in orientation camps throughout the country.

As part of an effort to deepen this partnership, Marwa proposed a more structured involvement, including a compulsory drug test for all members of the Corps and spreading NYSC members against the background of psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and counseling to the Ndlea rehabilitation center nationally.

“Posting corps members with expertise relevant to our counseling and maintenance center will not only improve our rehabilitation services but also give these young professionals direct experience in their fields,” he said.

Marwa also referred to the recommendation of the previous agency that the couple who intended to get a drug -free certificate before marriage, underlined the wider public health implications of the use of drugs that were not checked.

Responding to, Brig. General Nafiu described the proposal as a “fantastic idea” and promised that the NYSC would carefully review the recommendation. He emphasized the commitment of the scheme to partner with Ndlea in the National War against drug abuse.

“We will explore the feasibility of driving corps members with qualifications that are relevant to your facilities. Together, we can make significant differences in combating drug abuse among Nigerian youths,” he convinced.

Join the conversation

Opinion

Supports Nigeria’s ripples, resistant Journalism Solutions

A balanced and fearful journalism that is driven by data comes with enormous financial costs.

As a media platform, we ask for leadership accountability and will not trade the right to suppress freedom and freedom of speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and ready to uphold journalism solutions, friendly Nigerian ripples cause.

Your support will help ensure that residents and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for community development.

Donation now